NFL Top 100: Detroit Lions' Ndamukong Suh Will Keep Holding Steady In Top 50 For Next 5 Years

By Brian Kalchik

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Ndamukong Suh continues to stay in the discussion as one of the Top 50 players in the NFL, and despite an aggressive style of play and some aggressive cheap shots, Suh was justifiably ranked as the 40th best player in 2014, as voted on by his NFL peers. After being ranked 40th in 2013 and 38th in 2012, Suh stayed at 40 after having another solid season. Although he finished the season with just 36 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks and a safety, Suh was constantly double and triple-teamed, allowing teammates like Nick Fairley and Ezekiel Ansah to excel last season. With his outstanding season, Suh made his third Pro Bowl in four NFL seasons and is still among the top defensive tackles in the league.

Suh’s best moments during the 2013 season came against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 with 10 combined tackles and against the Chicago Bears in Week 4 with two sacks. Suh also had good games against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 and against the Washington Redskins in Week 3. Suh also had some questionable moments, especially in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Suh had a clipping penalty against center John Sullivan that negated a touchdown by DeAndre Levy. Suh was fined $100,000 for that play. Suh also was fined $31,500 for a questionable hit against Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden.

In 2014, Suh will once again be the focal point for Detroit’s defensive line. As the focus for most offensive line coaches, Suh likely won’t see a rise in production as he will be double and triple-teamed again. But his impact will allow others like Fairley and Ansah to continue growing as promising young players. If Suh can control his aggression while not toning down his play, he will be a fixture on the Top 100 list for at least the next five years.